US20170333113A1 - Quadripolar forceps - Google Patents
Quadripolar forceps Download PDFInfo
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- US20170333113A1 US20170333113A1 US15/670,259 US201715670259A US2017333113A1 US 20170333113 A1 US20170333113 A1 US 20170333113A1 US 201715670259 A US201715670259 A US 201715670259A US 2017333113 A1 US2017333113 A1 US 2017333113A1
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- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000015271 coagulation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000005345 coagulation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000740 bleeding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
- A61B18/1442—Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
- A61B18/1442—Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
- A61B18/1445—Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
- A61B2018/124—Generators therefor switching the output to different electrodes, e.g. sequentially
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
- A61B2018/1246—Generators therefor characterised by the output polarity
- A61B2018/126—Generators therefor characterised by the output polarity bipolar
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
- A61B2018/1273—Generators therefor including multiple generators in one device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
- A61B2018/1286—Generators therefor having a specific transformer
Definitions
- the present application relates generally to electrosurgical instruments, and more specifically to electrosurgical forceps that can provide improved hemostatis and tissue-cutting capabilities during surgical procedures.
- Electrosurgical forceps are known that employ mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to cut, cauterize, coagulate, desiccate, and/or reduce bleeding in living tissue during surgical procedures.
- Conventional electrosurgical forceps typically have a pair of opposing jaw members, each forming an electrode charged to a different electrical potential.
- the pair of opposing jaw members are configured to grasp the living tissue, and to transfer bipolar energy through the living tissue, allowing a surgeon to effect hemostatis and/or tissue-cutting actions at least in part by controlling the intensity, frequency, and/or duration of the bipolar energy applied between the respective electrodes and through the tissue.
- the transfer of bipolar energy through the living tissue initially causes an electrical current to flow through the tissue generally perpendicular to contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members.
- the flow of electrical current causes the living tissue to coagulate, which, in turn, causes the impedance of the tissue to rise in the region between the contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members.
- uncoagulated tissue in the region generally between the periphery of the respective contact surfaces has a lower impedance compared to the coagulated tissue, the uncoagulated tissue provides a more favorable path for the electrical current to continue flowing through the tissue.
- the living tissue between the periphery of the opposing contact surfaces now starts to coagulate, causing what is referred to herein as a “thermal margin” to spread laterally and extend into the tissue beyond the region between the respective jaw members.
- the conventional electrosurgical forceps described above have several drawbacks.
- the thermal margin resulting from use of such conventional electrosurgical forceps can cause the impedance of the tissue near or touching the contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members to increase to a level where the flow of electrical current through the tissue is significantly reduced, possibly preventing further coagulation of the tissue.
- tissue structures adjacent the region between the opposing jaw members may potentially become damaged, thereby limiting the overall utility of the conventional electrosurgical forceps.
- an electrical short circuit can result if the contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members inadvertently touch one another during use. This can sometimes occur if the opposing jaw members grasp very thin tissue, or clamp onto the living tissue with excessive force. Such electrical shorting of the opposing contact surfaces can stop any electrical current from flowing through the living tissue, possibly preventing the conventional electrosurgical forceps from providing hemostatis at a time when it may be most needed.
- the disclosed electrosurgical forceps include a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp living tissue.
- the pair of opposing jaw members form what is referred to herein as a “quadripolar” electrode assembly, in which each jaw member includes two electrode members, namely, a first electrode member and a second electrode member.
- the electrode members are configured and arranged within the quadripolar electrode assembly such that the first and second electrodes included in the respective jaw members are disposed directly opposite one another, the first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are likewise disposed diagonally opposite one another.
- a first high frequency (HF) electric power source can be connected across the diagonally opposing first electrode members, and a second HF electric power source can be connected across the diagonally opposing second electrode members, electrically isolating the first electrode members from the second electrode members.
- HF high frequency
- the disclosed electrosurgical forceps are operative to move the pair of opposing jaw members from an open position to a closed position for grasping the living tissue therebetween.
- the first HF electric power source connected across the first electrode members of the quadripolar electrode assembly can be selectively activated to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue between the diagonally opposing first electrode members.
- the second HF electric power source connected across the second electrode members of the quadripolar electrode assembly can be selectively activated to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue between the diagonally opposing second electrode members.
- the bipolar energy generated by the first and second HF electric power sources can cause two separate and isolated electrical currents to flow through the living tissue, namely, a first electrical current flowing through the tissue between the diagonally opposing first electrode members, and a second electrical current flowing through the tissue between the diagonally opposing second electrode members.
- the arrangement of the electrode members within the quadripolar electrode assembly prohibits electrical current from flowing between the first and second electrode members in the same jaw member, as well as between the first and second electrode members disposed directly opposite one another in the opposing jaw members.
- the lateral thermal margin is reduced, and the risk of an electrical short circuit, resulting from contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members inadvertently touching one another during use, is substantially eliminated.
- FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of conventional electrosurgical forceps
- FIG. 1 b is another perspective view of the conventional electrosurgical forceps of FIG. 1 a;
- FIGS. 2 a -2 c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the conventional electrosurgical forceps of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b;
- FIG. 3 a illustrates exemplary electrosurgical forceps configured in accordance with the present application
- FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of opposing jaw members forming an exemplary quadripolar electrode assembly for use with the electrosurgical forceps of FIG. 3 a;
- FIGS. 4 a -4 c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps of FIG. 3 a , incorporating the quadripolar electrode assembly of FIG. 3 b;
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are schematic diagrams further illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps of FIG. 3 a , incorporating the quadripolar electrode assembly of FIG. 3 b;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electrical circuit for generating two isolated electric power outputs from a single high frequency (HF) electric power source, for use with the quadripolar electrode assembly of FIG. 3 b ; and
- HF high frequency
- FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the electrosurgical forceps of FIG. 3 a , incorporating the quadripolar electrode assembly of FIG. 3 b.
- Electrosurgical forceps are disclosed that can provide improved hemostatis and tissue-cutting capabilities during surgical procedures.
- the disclosed electrosurgical forceps include a pair of opposing jaw members forming what is referred to herein as a “quadripolar” electrode assembly that can reduce lateral thermal margin through living tissue, and substantially eliminate the risk of an electrical short circuit resulting from contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members inadvertently touching one another during use.
- FIG. 1 a depicts a partial perspective view of conventional electrosurgical forceps 100 .
- the conventional electrosurgical forceps 100 include a pair of opposing jaw members 102 , 104 , and a shaft 106 .
- the pair of opposing jaw members 102 , 104 are configured to form an electrode assembly 105
- a distal end (not numbered) of the shaft 106 is configured to machanically engage the electrode assembly 105 .
- a proximal end (not shown) of the shaft 106 is configured to mechanically engage a handle assembly (not shown) of the conventional electrosurgical forceps 100 .
- FIGS. 1 a and 1 b each depict a partial perspective view of the electrode assembly 105 with the pair of opposing jaw members 102 , 104 in the closed position, grasping the living tissue 108 .
- each of the opposing jaw members 102 , 104 forms a single complete electrode member within the electrode assembly 105 .
- FIGS. 2 a -2 c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the conventional electrosurgical forceps 100 (see FIGS. 1 a and 1 b ).
- FIGS. 2 a -2 c depict conventional electrosurgical forceps 200 that include a pair of opposing jaw members 202 , 204 , which schematically represent the pair of opposing jaw members 102 , 104 , respectively, included in the conventional electrosurgical forceps 100 .
- the respective jaw members 202 , 204 are operative to grasp and clamp onto living tissue 208 .
- a single high frequency (HF) electric power source 206 is operatively connected across electrode members formed by the respective jaw members 202 , 204 , thereby periodically charging the respective electrode members to different electrical potentials.
- HF high frequency
- the transfer of bipolar energy through the living tissue 208 initially causes an electrical current 210 to flow through the tissue 208 generally perpendicular to contact surfaces 222 , 224 of the opposing jaw members 202 , 204 , respectively.
- the flow of electrical current 210 causes the living tissue 208 to coagulate, which, in turn, causes the impedance of the tissue 208 to rise in the region between the contact surfaces 222 , 224 .
- uncoagulated tissue in the region generally between the periphery of the respective contact surfaces 222 , 224 has a lower impedance compared to the coagulated tissue, the uncoagulated tissue provides a more favorable path for the electrical current 210 to continue flowing through the tissue 208 .
- FIG. 2 b depicts the electrical current 210 flowing through the uncoagulated tissue between the periphery of the contact surfaces 222 , 224 , causing what is referred to herein as a “thermal margin” (corresponding to reference numeral 212 ) to spread laterally and extend into the living tissue 208 in the direction of increasing coagulation.
- FIG. 2 c depicts the thermal margin 212 spreading laterally and extending further into the living tissue 208 beyond the region between the respective jaw members 202 , 204 , as the electrical current 210 continues to flow through the tissue 208 .
- the conventional electrosurgical forceps 200 depicted in FIGS. 2 a -2 c have drawbacks in that the lateral thermal margin 212 can cause the impedance of the living tissue 208 near or touching the contact surfaces 222 , 224 of the opposing jaw members 202 , 204 , respectively, to increase to a level where the flow of electrical current 210 through the tissue 208 is significantly reduced, possibly preventing further coagulation of the tissue 208 .
- tissue structures adjacent the region between the opposing jaw members 202 , 204 may potentially become damaged, thereby limiting the overall utility of the conventional electrosurgical forceps 200 .
- the single HF electric power source 206 periodically charges the electrodes formed by the respective jaw members 202 , 204 to different electrical potentials, an electrical short circuit can result if the contact surfaces 222 , 224 of the respective jaw members 202 , 204 touch one another during use. This can sometimes occur if the opposing jaw members 202 , 204 are used to grasp very thin tissue, or clamp onto the living tissue 208 with excessive force. Such electrical shorting of the opposing contact surfaces 222 , 224 can stop any electrical current from flowing through the living tissue 208 , possibly preventing the conventional electrosurgical forceps 200 from providing hemostatis at a time when it may be most needed.
- FIG. 3 a depicts an illustrative embodiment of exemplary electrosurgical forceps 300 configured in accordance with the present application.
- the electrosurgical forceps 300 include a housing 327 , a handle assembly including a fixed handle 330 and a movable handle 332 , a trigger 334 for activating tissue-cutting action, a shaft 322 , and an electrode assembly 301 .
- the electrosurgical forceps 300 include a pair of opposing jaw members 302 , 304 configured to form the electrode assembly 301 , which can be mechanically engaged in a conventional manner at a distal end 324 of the shaft 322 .
- a proximal end 326 of the shaft 322 is configured to mechanically engage the housing 327 .
- the electrosurgical forceps 300 further include a rotatable assembly 340 for providing, for example, at least 330° rotation of the electrode assembly 301 , a button 338 for activating tissue-coagulating action, and an electrical cable 328 .
- the electrical cable 328 is connectable to two isolated electric power outputs, and configured to provide multiple electrical paths through the fixed handle 330 , the housing 327 , and the shaft 322 , ultimately providing the multiple isolated electric power outputs to the electrode assembly 301 .
- FIG. 3 b depicts a perspective view of the electrode assembly 301 , including the pair of opposing jaw members 302 , 304 .
- each of the opposing jaw members 302 , 304 forms two elongated electrode members within the electrode assembly 301 , which is referred to herein as a quadripolar electrode assembly.
- the jaw member 302 is configured to form two elongated electrode members 302 . 1 , 302 . 2
- the jaw member 304 is likewise configured to form two elongated electrode members 304 . 1 , 304 . 2 .
- the elongated electrode members 302 . 1 , 302 . 2 as well as the elongated electrode members 304 .
- non-conductive epoxy bridge 316 . 1 between distal ends of the respective electrode members 302 . 1 , 302 . 2 , and bonding a non-conductive epoxy bridge 316 . 2 between distal ends of the respective electrode members 304 . 1 , 304 . 2 , or by any other suitable technique.
- one or both of the non-conductive epoxy bridges 316 . 1 , 316 . 2 may be omitted.
- the fixed handle 330 , the movable handle 332 , the housing 327 , the shaft 322 , and the quadripolar electrode assembly 301 mutually cooperate to move the opposing jaw members 302 , 304 from an open position (as illustrated in FIG. 3 a ) to a closed position (as illustrated in FIG. 3 b ), and vice versa, as required for grasping living tissue 308 therebetween.
- FIGS. 4 a -4 c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps 300 (see FIGS. 3 a and 3 b ).
- FIGS. 4 a -4 c depict electrosurgical forceps 400 that include a pair of opposing jaw members 402 , 404 , which schematically represent the pair of opposing jaw members 302 , 304 , respectively, included in the electrosurgical forceps 300 .
- the pair of opposing jaw members 402 , 404 are configured to grasp and clamp onto living tissue 408 .
- each of the opposing jaw members 402 , 404 forms two electrode members.
- the jaw member 402 is configured to form two electrode members 402 .
- the jaw member 404 is likewise configured to form two electrode members 404 . 1 , 404 . 2 .
- the electrode members 402 . 1 , 402 . 2 , 404 . 1 , 404 . 2 are configured and arranged such that the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 2 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 1 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 2 are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 are disposed diagonally opposite one another.
- a first high frequency (HF) electric power source 406 .
- a second HF electric power source 406 . 2 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 2 , electrically isolating the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 from the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 2 .
- the electrosurgical forceps 400 are operative to move the pair of opposing jaw members 402 , 404 from the open position (as illustrated in FIG. 3 a ) to the closed position (as illustrated in FIG. 3 b ), and vice versa, as required for grasping the living tissue 408 therebetween.
- the HF electric power source 406 . 1 connected across the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 can be selectively activated by a user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue 408 between the diagonally opposing first electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 .
- the HF electric power source 406 . 2 connected across the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 .
- the bipolar energy generated by the HF electric power sources 406 . 1 , 406 . 2 causes two separate and isolated electrical currents to flow through the living tissue 408 , namely, a first electrical current 410 . 1 flowing through the tissue 408 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 , and a second electrical current 410 .
- the arrangement of the electrode members 402 . 1 , 402 . 2 , 404 . 1 , 404 . 2 prohibits electrical current from flowing between the electrode members 402 . 1 , 402 . 2 within the jaw member 402 , between the electrode members 404 . 1 , 404 . 2 within the jaw member 404 , between the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 2 disposed directly opposite one another, and between the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 1 disposed directly opposite one another.
- the transfer of bipolar energy through the living tissue 408 causes the electrical current 410 . 1 to flow diagonally through the tissue 408 between contact surfaces 422 . 1 , 424 . 1 of the diagonally opposing electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 , respectively.
- the transfer of bipolar energy through the living tissue 408 causes the electrical current 410 . 2 to flow diagonally through the tissue 408 between contact surfaces 422 . 2 , 424 . 2 of the diagonally opposing electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 2 , respectively.
- a thermal margin 412 spreads through the tissue 408 generally perpendicular to the contact surfaces 422 . 1 , 422 . 2 , and the contact surfaces 424 . 1 , 424 . 2 , in the direction of increasing coagulation, as depicted in FIG. 4 b.
- FIG. 4 c depicts the thermal margin 412 spreading further through the living tissue 408 in the direction of increasing coagulation, as well as laterally through the living tissue 408 , as the electrical currents 410 . 1 , 410 . 2 continue to flow diagonally through the tissue 208 .
- the lateral thermal margin 412 is reduced, and is substantially prevented from extending into the living tissue 408 beyond the region between the opposing jaw members 402 , 404 .
- unwanted desiccation of surface areas of the living tissue 408 is substantially eliminated.
- the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 are electrically isolated from the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 2 , the risk of an electrical short circuit resulting from the directly opposing contact surfaces 422 . 1 , 424 . 2 inadvertently touching one another during use, or from the directly opposing contact surfaces 422 . 2 , 424 . 1 inadvertently touching one another during use, is substantially eliminated.
- the need to provide one or more insulating structures between the opposing contact surfaces 422 . 1 , 424 . 2 , and/or between the opposing contact surfaces 422 . 2 , 424 . 1 , to prevent such inadvertent touching of the opposing contact surfaces is avoided, thereby facilitating low-cost manufacture of the electrosurgical forceps 400 .
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are schematic diagrams further illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps 300 (see FIGS. 3 a and 3 b ).
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b depict electrosurgical forceps 500 that include a pair of opposing jaw members 502 , 504 , which schematically represent the pair of opposing jaw members 302 , 304 , respectively, included in the electrosurgical forceps 300 .
- the pair of opposing jaw members 502 , 504 are configured to grasp and clamp onto living tissue 508 .
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are schematic diagrams further illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps 300 (see FIGS. 3 a and 3 b ).
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b depict electrosurgical forceps 500 that include a pair of opposing jaw members 502 , 504 , which schematically represent the pair of opposing jaw members 302 , 304 , respectively, included in the electrosurgical forceps 300 .
- the jaw member 502 is configured to form two electrode members 502 . 1 , 502 . 2
- the jaw member 504 is likewise configured to form two electrode members 504 . 1 , 504 . 2 .
- the electrode members 502 . 1 , 502 . 2 , 504 . 1 , 504 . 2 are configured and arranged such that the electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 2 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 1 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 .
- a first high frequency (HF) electric power source 506 . 1 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 1
- a second HF electric power source 506 . 2 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 , electrically isolating the electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 1 from the electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 .
- HF high frequency
- the HF electric power source 506 . 1 connected across the electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 1 can be selectively activated by a user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 1 , while the HF electric power source 506 . 2 connected across the electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 is selectively deactivated by the user.
- the bipolar energy generated by the HF electric power source 506 . 1 causes a single electrical current 510 . 1 to flow through the living tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 1 , as shown in FIG. 5 a .
- the HF electric power source 506 . 2 connected across the electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 can be selectively activated by the user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 , while the HF electric power source 506 . 1 connected across the electrode members 502 . 1 , 504 . 1 is selectively deactivated by the user.
- the bipolar energy generated by the HF electric power source 506 . 2 causes a single electrical current 510 . 2 to flow through the living tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502 . 2 , 504 . 2 , as shown in FIG. 5 b .
- Such selective activation of the HF electric power sources 506 . 1 , 506 . 2 , at the same time or at different times, can provide the user of the electrosurgical forceps 500 with increased flexibility while performing hemostatis and/or tissue-cutting actions during surgical procedures.
- FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary electrical circuit 600 for generating two isolated electric power outputs, namely, an isolated output 1 and an isolated output 2 , from a single HF electric power source 602 .
- the electrical circuit 600 includes the HF electric power source 602 and a transformer 604 .
- the transformer 604 includes a single primary coil 606 operatively connected to the HF electric power source 602 , a first secondary coil 608 . 1 for providing the isolated output 1 , and a second secondary coil 608 . 2 for providing the isolated output 2 .
- an isolated output 1 of either polarity, provided by the secondary coil 608 . 1 can be operatively connected across the electrode members 402 . 1 , 404 . 1 of the jaw members 402 , 404 , respectively.
- an isolated output 2 of either polarity, provided by the secondary coil 608 . 2 can be operatively connected across the electrode members 402 . 2 , 404 . 2 of the jaw members 402 , 404 , respectively.
- the disclosed operation of the electrosurgical forceps 400 can be achieved in a system configuration that includes a single HF electric power source.
- the quadripolar electrode assembly 301 could include the pair of opposing jaw members 302 , 304 , in which each of the opposing jaw members 302 , 304 forms two electrode members within the quadripolar electrode assembly 301 .
- such electrode members within the quadripolar electrode assembly 301 may be toothed or non-toothed.
- such electrode members may be provided in each such jaw member in quantities of two or more, and in any other suitable size and/or geometry.
- electrosurgical forceps including a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, in which each jaw member includes a first electrode member and a second electrode member.
- the first and second electrode members included in the first and second jaw members, respectively, are disposed directly opposite one another
- the second and first electrode members included in the first and second jaw members, respectively, are disposed directly opposite one another
- the first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another
- the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another.
- the diagonally opposing first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are operatively connected to a first high frequency (HF) electric power source.
- the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are operatively connected to a second HF electric power source, such that the first electrode members and the second electrode members are electrically isolated from one another.
- tissue is grasped by the pair of opposing first and second jaw members to allow current to flow diagonally through the tissue between one or both of the first electrode members and the second electrode members.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/087,474, filed Nov. 22, 2013, entitled QUADRIPOLAR FORCEPS, which claims benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/731,195 filed Nov. 29, 2012 entitled QUADRIPOLAR FORCEPS.
- The present application relates generally to electrosurgical instruments, and more specifically to electrosurgical forceps that can provide improved hemostatis and tissue-cutting capabilities during surgical procedures.
- Electrosurgical forceps are known that employ mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to cut, cauterize, coagulate, desiccate, and/or reduce bleeding in living tissue during surgical procedures. Conventional electrosurgical forceps typically have a pair of opposing jaw members, each forming an electrode charged to a different electrical potential. The pair of opposing jaw members are configured to grasp the living tissue, and to transfer bipolar energy through the living tissue, allowing a surgeon to effect hemostatis and/or tissue-cutting actions at least in part by controlling the intensity, frequency, and/or duration of the bipolar energy applied between the respective electrodes and through the tissue.
- In a typical mode of operation of such conventional electrosurgical forceps, the transfer of bipolar energy through the living tissue initially causes an electrical current to flow through the tissue generally perpendicular to contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members. The flow of electrical current causes the living tissue to coagulate, which, in turn, causes the impedance of the tissue to rise in the region between the contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members. Because uncoagulated tissue in the region generally between the periphery of the respective contact surfaces has a lower impedance compared to the coagulated tissue, the uncoagulated tissue provides a more favorable path for the electrical current to continue flowing through the tissue. As a result, the living tissue between the periphery of the opposing contact surfaces now starts to coagulate, causing what is referred to herein as a “thermal margin” to spread laterally and extend into the tissue beyond the region between the respective jaw members.
- The conventional electrosurgical forceps described above have several drawbacks. For example, the thermal margin resulting from use of such conventional electrosurgical forceps can cause the impedance of the tissue near or touching the contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members to increase to a level where the flow of electrical current through the tissue is significantly reduced, possibly preventing further coagulation of the tissue. Moreover, as the thermal margin spreads laterally and extends into the living tissue, tissue structures adjacent the region between the opposing jaw members may potentially become damaged, thereby limiting the overall utility of the conventional electrosurgical forceps.
- In addition, because the electrodes formed by the opposing jaw members of such conventional electrosurgical forceps are charged to different electrical potentials, an electrical short circuit can result if the contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members inadvertently touch one another during use. This can sometimes occur if the opposing jaw members grasp very thin tissue, or clamp onto the living tissue with excessive force. Such electrical shorting of the opposing contact surfaces can stop any electrical current from flowing through the living tissue, possibly preventing the conventional electrosurgical forceps from providing hemostatis at a time when it may be most needed.
- It would therefore be desirable to have electrosurgical forceps that avoid at least some of the drawbacks of the conventional electrosurgical forceps described above.
- In accordance with the present application, electrosurgical forceps are disclosed that can provide improved hemostatis and tissue-cutting capabilities during surgical procedures. In one aspect, the disclosed electrosurgical forceps include a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp living tissue. The pair of opposing jaw members form what is referred to herein as a “quadripolar” electrode assembly, in which each jaw member includes two electrode members, namely, a first electrode member and a second electrode member. The electrode members are configured and arranged within the quadripolar electrode assembly such that the first and second electrodes included in the respective jaw members are disposed directly opposite one another, the first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are likewise disposed diagonally opposite one another. Moreover, a first high frequency (HF) electric power source can be connected across the diagonally opposing first electrode members, and a second HF electric power source can be connected across the diagonally opposing second electrode members, electrically isolating the first electrode members from the second electrode members.
- In an exemplary mode of operation, the disclosed electrosurgical forceps are operative to move the pair of opposing jaw members from an open position to a closed position for grasping the living tissue therebetween. The first HF electric power source connected across the first electrode members of the quadripolar electrode assembly can be selectively activated to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue between the diagonally opposing first electrode members. Likewise, the second HF electric power source connected across the second electrode members of the quadripolar electrode assembly can be selectively activated to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the living tissue between the diagonally opposing second electrode members. Because the first electrode members are electrically isolated from the second electrode members, the bipolar energy generated by the first and second HF electric power sources can cause two separate and isolated electrical currents to flow through the living tissue, namely, a first electrical current flowing through the tissue between the diagonally opposing first electrode members, and a second electrical current flowing through the tissue between the diagonally opposing second electrode members. Moreover, the arrangement of the electrode members within the quadripolar electrode assembly prohibits electrical current from flowing between the first and second electrode members in the same jaw member, as well as between the first and second electrode members disposed directly opposite one another in the opposing jaw members. As a result, the lateral thermal margin is reduced, and the risk of an electrical short circuit, resulting from contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members inadvertently touching one another during use, is substantially eliminated.
- Other features, functions, and aspects of the invention will be evident from the Drawings and/or the Detailed Description of the Invention that follow.
- The invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following Detailed Description of the Invention in conjunction with the drawings of which:
-
FIG. 1a is a perspective view of conventional electrosurgical forceps; -
FIG. 1b is another perspective view of the conventional electrosurgical forceps ofFIG. 1 a; -
FIGS. 2a-2c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the conventional electrosurgical forceps ofFIGS. 1a and 1 b; -
FIG. 3a illustrates exemplary electrosurgical forceps configured in accordance with the present application; -
FIG. 3b is a perspective view of opposing jaw members forming an exemplary quadripolar electrode assembly for use with the electrosurgical forceps ofFIG. 3 a; -
FIGS. 4a-4c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps ofFIG. 3a , incorporating the quadripolar electrode assembly ofFIG. 3 b; -
FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams further illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps ofFIG. 3a , incorporating the quadripolar electrode assembly ofFIG. 3 b; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electrical circuit for generating two isolated electric power outputs from a single high frequency (HF) electric power source, for use with the quadripolar electrode assembly ofFIG. 3b ; and -
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the electrosurgical forceps ofFIG. 3a , incorporating the quadripolar electrode assembly ofFIG. 3 b. - The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/731,195 filed Nov. 29, 2012 entitled QUADRIPOLAR FORCEPS is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Electrosurgical forceps are disclosed that can provide improved hemostatis and tissue-cutting capabilities during surgical procedures. The disclosed electrosurgical forceps include a pair of opposing jaw members forming what is referred to herein as a “quadripolar” electrode assembly that can reduce lateral thermal margin through living tissue, and substantially eliminate the risk of an electrical short circuit resulting from contact surfaces of the opposing jaw members inadvertently touching one another during use.
-
FIG. 1a depicts a partial perspective view of conventionalelectrosurgical forceps 100. As shown inFIG. 1a , the conventionalelectrosurgical forceps 100 include a pair ofopposing jaw members shaft 106. The pair ofopposing jaw members electrode assembly 105, and a distal end (not numbered) of theshaft 106 is configured to machanically engage theelectrode assembly 105. A proximal end (not shown) of theshaft 106 is configured to mechanically engage a handle assembly (not shown) of the conventionalelectrosurgical forceps 100. The handle assembly and theelectrode assembly 105 mutually cooperate to move the opposingjaw members living tissue 108 therebetween.FIGS. 1a and 1b each depict a partial perspective view of theelectrode assembly 105 with the pair of opposingjaw members living tissue 108. As shown inFIG. 1b , each of the opposingjaw members electrode assembly 105. -
FIGS. 2a-2c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the conventional electrosurgical forceps 100 (seeFIGS. 1a and 1b ). Specifically,FIGS. 2a-2c depict conventionalelectrosurgical forceps 200 that include a pair of opposingjaw members jaw members electrosurgical forceps 100. As shown inFIG. 2a , in response to the application of a force generally perpendicular to each of the opposingjaw members respective jaw members tissue 208. Further, a single high frequency (HF)electric power source 206 is operatively connected across electrode members formed by therespective jaw members living tissue 208, allowing a surgeon to effect hemostatis and/or tissue-cutting actions at least in part by controlling the intensity, frequency, and/or duration of the bipolar energy applied between the respective electrode members and through thetissue 208. - As further shown in
FIG. 2a , the transfer of bipolar energy through theliving tissue 208 initially causes an electrical current 210 to flow through thetissue 208 generally perpendicular to contactsurfaces jaw members living tissue 208 to coagulate, which, in turn, causes the impedance of thetissue 208 to rise in the region between the contact surfaces 222, 224. Because uncoagulated tissue in the region generally between the periphery of the respective contact surfaces 222, 224 has a lower impedance compared to the coagulated tissue, the uncoagulated tissue provides a more favorable path for the electrical current 210 to continue flowing through thetissue 208.FIG. 2b depicts the electrical current 210 flowing through the uncoagulated tissue between the periphery of the contact surfaces 222, 224, causing what is referred to herein as a “thermal margin” (corresponding to reference numeral 212) to spread laterally and extend into theliving tissue 208 in the direction of increasing coagulation.FIG. 2c depicts thethermal margin 212 spreading laterally and extending further into theliving tissue 208 beyond the region between therespective jaw members tissue 208. - The conventional
electrosurgical forceps 200 depicted inFIGS. 2a-2c have drawbacks in that the lateralthermal margin 212 can cause the impedance of theliving tissue 208 near or touching the contact surfaces 222, 224 of the opposingjaw members tissue 208 is significantly reduced, possibly preventing further coagulation of thetissue 208. Moreover, as thethermal margin 212 spreads laterally and extends into theliving tissue 208, tissue structures adjacent the region between the opposingjaw members electrosurgical forceps 200. In addition, because the single HFelectric power source 206 periodically charges the electrodes formed by therespective jaw members respective jaw members jaw members living tissue 208 with excessive force. Such electrical shorting of the opposing contact surfaces 222, 224 can stop any electrical current from flowing through theliving tissue 208, possibly preventing the conventionalelectrosurgical forceps 200 from providing hemostatis at a time when it may be most needed. -
FIG. 3a depicts an illustrative embodiment of exemplaryelectrosurgical forceps 300 configured in accordance with the present application. As shown inFIG. 3a , theelectrosurgical forceps 300 include ahousing 327, a handle assembly including a fixedhandle 330 and amovable handle 332, atrigger 334 for activating tissue-cutting action, ashaft 322, and anelectrode assembly 301. As shown inFIG. 3a , theelectrosurgical forceps 300 include a pair of opposingjaw members electrode assembly 301, which can be mechanically engaged in a conventional manner at adistal end 324 of theshaft 322. Aproximal end 326 of theshaft 322 is configured to mechanically engage thehousing 327. Theelectrosurgical forceps 300 further include arotatable assembly 340 for providing, for example, at least 330° rotation of theelectrode assembly 301, abutton 338 for activating tissue-coagulating action, and anelectrical cable 328. Theelectrical cable 328 is connectable to two isolated electric power outputs, and configured to provide multiple electrical paths through the fixedhandle 330, thehousing 327, and theshaft 322, ultimately providing the multiple isolated electric power outputs to theelectrode assembly 301. -
FIG. 3b depicts a perspective view of theelectrode assembly 301, including the pair of opposingjaw members FIG. 3b , each of the opposingjaw members electrode assembly 301, which is referred to herein as a quadripolar electrode assembly. Specifically, thejaw member 302 is configured to form two elongated electrode members 302.1, 302.2, and thejaw member 304 is likewise configured to form two elongated electrode members 304.1, 304.2. The elongated electrode members 302.1, 302.2, as well as the elongated electrode members 304.1, 304.2, can be mechanically isolated from one another by bonding a non-conductive epoxy bridge 316.1 between distal ends of the respective electrode members 302.1, 302.2, and bonding a non-conductive epoxy bridge 316.2 between distal ends of the respective electrode members 304.1, 304.2, or by any other suitable technique. In some embodiments, one or both of the non-conductive epoxy bridges 316.1, 316.2 may be omitted. The fixedhandle 330, themovable handle 332, thehousing 327, theshaft 322, and thequadripolar electrode assembly 301 mutually cooperate to move the opposingjaw members FIG. 3a ) to a closed position (as illustrated inFIG. 3b ), and vice versa, as required for graspingliving tissue 308 therebetween. -
FIGS. 4a-4c are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps 300 (seeFIGS. 3a and 3b ). Specifically,FIGS. 4a-4c depictelectrosurgical forceps 400 that include a pair of opposingjaw members jaw members electrosurgical forceps 300. The pair of opposingjaw members tissue 408. As shown inFIGS. 4a-4c , each of the opposingjaw members jaw member 402 is configured to form two electrode members 402.1, 402.2, and thejaw member 404 is likewise configured to form two electrode members 404.1, 404.2. The electrode members 402.1, 402.2, 404.1, 404.2 are configured and arranged such that the electrode members 402.1, 404.2 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 402.2, 404.1 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 402.2, 404.2 are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the electrode members 402.1, 404.1 are disposed diagonally opposite one another. Moreover, a first high frequency (HF) electric power source 406.1 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.1, 404.1, and a second HF electric power source 406.2 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.2, 404.2, electrically isolating the electrode members 402.1, 404.1 from the electrode members 402.2, 404.2. - In an exemplary mode of operation, the
electrosurgical forceps 400 are operative to move the pair of opposingjaw members FIG. 3a ) to the closed position (as illustrated inFIG. 3b ), and vice versa, as required for grasping theliving tissue 408 therebetween. The HF electric power source 406.1 connected across the electrode members 402.1, 404.1 can be selectively activated by a user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through theliving tissue 408 between the diagonally opposing first electrode members 402.1, 404.1. Likewise, the HF electric power source 406.2 connected across the electrode members 402.2, 404.2 can be selectively activated by the user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through theliving tissue 408 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.2, 404.2. Because the electrode members 402.1, 404.1 are electrically isolated from the electrode members 402.2, 404.2, the bipolar energy generated by the HF electric power sources 406.1, 406.2 causes two separate and isolated electrical currents to flow through theliving tissue 408, namely, a first electrical current 410.1 flowing through thetissue 408 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.1, 404.1, and a second electrical current 410.2 flowing through thetissue 408 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.2, 404.2. It is noted that the arrangement of the electrode members 402.1, 402.2, 404.1, 404.2 prohibits electrical current from flowing between the electrode members 402.1, 402.2 within thejaw member 402, between the electrode members 404.1, 404.2 within thejaw member 404, between the electrode members 402.1, 404.2 disposed directly opposite one another, and between the electrode members 402.2, 404.1 disposed directly opposite one another. - As shown in
FIG. 4a , the transfer of bipolar energy through theliving tissue 408 causes the electrical current 410.1 to flow diagonally through thetissue 408 between contact surfaces 422.1, 424.1 of the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.1, 404.1, respectively. Likewise, the transfer of bipolar energy through theliving tissue 408 causes the electrical current 410.2 to flow diagonally through thetissue 408 between contact surfaces 422.2, 424.2 of the diagonally opposing electrode members 402.2, 404.2, respectively. The flow of the two separate and isolated electrical currents 410.1, 410.2 causes theliving tissue 408 to coagulate, which, in turn, causes the impedance of thetissue 408 to rise in the region between the contact surfaces 422.1, 422.2 and the contact surfaces 424.1, 424.2. Because the arrangement of the electrode members 402.1, 402.2, 404.1, 404.2 prohibits electrical current from flowing between the electrode members 402.1, 404.2 disposed directly opposite one another, as well as between the electrode members 402.2, 404.1 disposed directly opposite one another, athermal margin 412 spreads through thetissue 408 generally perpendicular to the contact surfaces 422.1, 422.2, and the contact surfaces 424.1, 424.2, in the direction of increasing coagulation, as depicted inFIG. 4 b. -
FIG. 4c depicts thethermal margin 412 spreading further through theliving tissue 408 in the direction of increasing coagulation, as well as laterally through theliving tissue 408, as the electrical currents 410.1, 410.2 continue to flow diagonally through thetissue 208. However, because electrical current is prohibited from flowing between the electrode members 402.1, 404.2 disposed directly opposite one another, and between the electrode members 402.2, 404.1 disposed directly opposite one another, the lateralthermal margin 412 is reduced, and is substantially prevented from extending into theliving tissue 408 beyond the region between the opposingjaw members jaw member 402, and between the electrode members 404.1, 404.2 within thejaw member 404, unwanted desiccation of surface areas of theliving tissue 408 is substantially eliminated. - In addition, because the electrode members 402.1, 404.1 are electrically isolated from the electrode members 402.2, 404.2, the risk of an electrical short circuit resulting from the directly opposing contact surfaces 422.1, 424.2 inadvertently touching one another during use, or from the directly opposing contact surfaces 422.2, 424.1 inadvertently touching one another during use, is substantially eliminated. As a result, the need to provide one or more insulating structures between the opposing contact surfaces 422.1, 424.2, and/or between the opposing contact surfaces 422.2, 424.1, to prevent such inadvertent touching of the opposing contact surfaces, is avoided, thereby facilitating low-cost manufacture of the
electrosurgical forceps 400. - Having described the above exemplary embodiments of the disclosed electrosurgical forceps, other alternative embodiments or variations may be made. For example,
FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams further illustrating the operation of the electrosurgical forceps 300 (seeFIGS. 3a and 3b ). Specifically,FIGS. 5a and 5b depictelectrosurgical forceps 500 that include a pair of opposingjaw members jaw members electrosurgical forceps 300. The pair of opposingjaw members tissue 508. As shown inFIGS. 5a and 5b , thejaw member 502 is configured to form two electrode members 502.1, 502.2, and thejaw member 504 is likewise configured to form two electrode members 504.1, 504.2. The electrode members 502.1, 502.2, 504.1, 504.2 are configured and arranged such that the electrode members 502.1, 504.2 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 502.2, 504.1 are disposed directly opposite one another, the electrode members 502.2, 504.2 are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the electrode members 502.1, 504.1 are disposed diagonally opposite one another. Moreover, a first high frequency (HF) electric power source 506.1 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 502.1, 504.1, and a second HF electric power source 506.2 is connected across the diagonally opposing electrode members 502.2, 504.2, electrically isolating the electrode members 502.1, 504.1 from the electrode members 502.2, 504.2. - In an exemplary mode of operation, the HF electric power source 506.1 connected across the electrode members 502.1, 504.1 can be selectively activated by a user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through the
living tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502.1, 504.1, while the HF electric power source 506.2 connected across the electrode members 502.2, 504.2 is selectively deactivated by the user. The bipolar energy generated by the HF electric power source 506.1 causes a single electrical current 510.1 to flow through theliving tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502.1, 504.1, as shown inFIG. 5a . Alternatively, the HF electric power source 506.2 connected across the electrode members 502.2, 504.2 can be selectively activated by the user to direct bipolar energy diagonally through theliving tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502.2, 504.2, while the HF electric power source 506.1 connected across the electrode members 502.1, 504.1 is selectively deactivated by the user. The bipolar energy generated by the HF electric power source 506.2 causes a single electrical current 510.2 to flow through theliving tissue 508 between the diagonally opposing electrode members 502.2, 504.2, as shown inFIG. 5b . Such selective activation of the HF electric power sources 506.1, 506.2, at the same time or at different times, can provide the user of theelectrosurgical forceps 500 with increased flexibility while performing hemostatis and/or tissue-cutting actions during surgical procedures. - In some embodiments, the disclosed electrosurgical forceps can be used in conjunction with a single high frequency (HF) electric power source.
FIG. 6 depicts an exemplaryelectrical circuit 600 for generating two isolated electric power outputs, namely, anisolated output 1 and anisolated output 2, from a single HFelectric power source 602. As shown inFIG. 6 , theelectrical circuit 600 includes the HFelectric power source 602 and atransformer 604. Thetransformer 604 includes a singleprimary coil 606 operatively connected to the HFelectric power source 602, a first secondary coil 608.1 for providing theisolated output 1, and a second secondary coil 608.2 for providing theisolated output 2. For example, with reference toFIGS. 4a-4c , anisolated output 1 of either polarity, provided by the secondary coil 608.1, can be operatively connected across the electrode members 402.1, 404.1 of thejaw members isolated output 2 of either polarity, provided by the secondary coil 608.2, can be operatively connected across the electrode members 402.2, 404.2 of thejaw members electrosurgical forceps 400 can be achieved in a system configuration that includes a single HF electric power source. - In addition, it was described herein, with reference to
FIG. 3b , that thequadripolar electrode assembly 301 could include the pair of opposingjaw members jaw members quadripolar electrode assembly 301. In some embodiments, such electrode members within thequadripolar electrode assembly 301 may be toothed or non-toothed. Moreover, in some embodiments, such electrode members may be provided in each such jaw member in quantities of two or more, and in any other suitable size and/or geometry. - A method of operating the disclosed electrosurgical forceps is described herein with reference to
FIG. 7 . As illustrated inblock 702, electrosurgical forceps are provided, including a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, in which each jaw member includes a first electrode member and a second electrode member. The first and second electrode members included in the first and second jaw members, respectively, are disposed directly opposite one another, the second and first electrode members included in the first and second jaw members, respectively, are disposed directly opposite one another, the first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another, and the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are disposed diagonally opposite one another. As illustrated inblock 704, the diagonally opposing first electrode members included in the respective jaw members are operatively connected to a first high frequency (HF) electric power source. As illustrated inblock 706, the second electrode members included in the respective jaw members are operatively connected to a second HF electric power source, such that the first electrode members and the second electrode members are electrically isolated from one another. As illustrated inblock 708, tissue is grasped by the pair of opposing first and second jaw members to allow current to flow diagonally through the tissue between one or both of the first electrode members and the second electrode members. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to and variations of the above-described systems and methods may be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited except as by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Claims (6)
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US20140148804A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
US10736687B2 (en) | 2020-08-11 |
US9757185B2 (en) | 2017-09-12 |
WO2014085334A1 (en) | 2014-06-05 |
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